Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave
This is why I recommended t_vago use a T-56. It is lighter than a GV (and less expensive). There is a variant of the T-56 (Tremec 6060) that is used in Vipers and Z06 Corvettes that will stand up to anything his engine and truck can dish out and still give him a huge 0.5:1 OD ratio.
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While it would be nice to have a T-56, I don't see any non-Viper Mopar applications for the T-56. As I don't want to stuff a V10 under the hood, and I am not at all sure how much a one-off bellhousing adapter for my own engine would cost, I am inclined to regard this option with some reluctance.
A GV, on the other hand, should be simpler to mount. I see two possible mounting options.
On the one hand, Gear Vendors offers an option for the 47RE whereby the overdrive is mounted directly to an transfer case adapter. This option looks promising for me, since the 47RE adapter and the 45RFE adapter look like they have the same bolt pattern for the transfer case adapter end. Both transmissions also have 23 spline output shaft.
On the other hand, I could get a three-piece driveshaft (it was an option for my truck), and replace the forward driveshaft with a GV overdrive. It certainly looks simpler than the transfer case option, but it seems to be a bit flimsier.
I am still thinking an extra overdrive could be beneficial, for several reasons.
First and foremost, I take readings with my ScanGauge II on the drive back from my work, which is a 59 mile commute. I have several landmarks which I use to determine fuel consumption. These numbers are pretty consistent over the past month.
MP - fuel consumed - FE
3.3 - 0.25 gallons - 13.2 MPG
8.9 - 0.50 gallons - 17.8 MPG
42.7 - 2.25 gallons - 19.0 MPG
52.2 - 2.75 gallons - 19.0 MPG
58.0 - 3.00 gallons - 19.3 MPG
59.2 - 3.15 gallons - 18.8 MPG
I loaded down the bed of the truck with about 120 lbs of scrap metal that I've been meaning to take to the scrapyard. However, they made the work commute along with me for the past two days. Interestingly, my FE went up because of the extra weight.
MP - fuel consumed - FE
3.3 - 0.22 gallons - 15.0 MPG - 12% reduction in fuel consumption
8.9 - 0.45 gallons - 19.8 MPG - 10% reduction in fuel consumption
42.7 - 2.10 gallons - 20.3 MPG - 7 % reduction in fuel consumption
52.2 - 2.60 gallons - 20.1 MPG - 5 % reduction in fuel consumption
58.0 - 2.85 gallons - 20.4 MPG - 5 % reduction in fuel consumption
59.2 - 3.00 gallons - 19.7 MPG - 5 % reduction in fuel consumption